Steele’s Functions of the Classroom Anna Kalkus

Security and Shelter My Practicum classroom is very large and everything is in working order. My teacher created this reading nook where the students can lay on the couch and enjoy reading or Ipad time. It is serves as a relaxing home away from home. Definition: Physical Security in the classroom is important because the students should come to a safe environment where things are not broken or damaged. Another important function is psychological security. The students should feel that school is a safe and comfortable and they should enjoy being there.

Social Contact Definition: In order to facilitate social contact, it is important to range your desks and group clumping to create the most conducive environment for your children to learn while still meeting there need for social interaction. My classroom the students are booked in groups where they can work together on projects, assignment or worksheets. They get to sit near there friends and encourage group work.

Symbolic Identification Definition: Symbolic Identification in the classroom is anything that shows information about the students or people in the classroom. For Example: In this picture the students created there own Rainbow Fish, and explained what made there Rainbow fish special. The proudly share there work with the school and there friends. In my classroom all of the students desks are clearly labeled with there names and each week there is a “star” student who fills out a poster to tell the class about themselves. In addition to that, my students every two weeks create a picture and sentence about something they want to tell people about themselves.

Task Instrumentality This is the functional way the students can see through the clear containers to take what they need for math or sorting assignments. Each bin is clear, with a label underneath for the students to see. Definition: Task instrumentality is setting up your environment (the classroom) in ways that work for function and design to help complete tasks with little or no problem.

Pleasure My students begin there day with a fun warm up on the smart board. The students all get to sit on this very comfy carpet and sing songs, play games, and work as a group to solve problems. In addition to the students getting to work together each day, each day one table is selected as the star students and they get to sit on elevated comfy chairs while doing the Smart Board. Definition: Pleasure in the classroom involves an interactive classroom that the students and teacher enjoy being in. It is about making the environment conducive to learning, while also allowing the students and teacher some self expression.

Growth This is an example of the Word Wall in my classroom. It is an interactive wall that have examples of words the students have mastered and are able to spell and write. Spaces are left open, thus encouraging growth and the learning of new words. Definition: Growth in the classroom is about encouraging positive experience and increased knowledge in the classroom. This can include academic achievement as well as personal achievement.

All Pictures were taken by myself: Anna Kalkus The pictures are of Lynn Lewis’ Classroom at Colonial Trail Elementary School